Rev. Dr. Lisa Jenkins Brown, CSP

Keynote Speaker

“She doesn’t just speak truth, she activates it.”

Rev. Dr. Lisa Jenkins Brown is a prophetic preacher, cultural strategist, and trailblazing faith leader with over 25 years in ministry. As the first woman to pastor both Blessed Trinity and St. Matthew’s Baptist Churches in Harlem, she has led with vision, courage, and transformative impact. As Founder of LJB Global Connections, she advises organizations across faith and corporate sectors, bridging theology, leadership, and equity. A respected author, educator, and national voice, Dr. Brown continues to shape conversations at the intersection of faith, justice, and culture.

Empowering leaders to move with clarity, courage, and conviction
in moments that demand bold faith.

Everbell Boampong-Bishop,

Principal

“Shaping minds. Building futures.”

Everbell Boampong-Bishop is an accomplished eduhcational leader with over 20 years of experience in the New York City Department of Education. As Principal of P.S. 287 Dr. Bailey K. Ashford School, she is committed to academic excellence and creating nurturing learning environments. Her leadership reflects a passion for early childhood development and student success. She continues to make a lasting impact on students, families, and her community.

Empowering the next generation through education, structure,
and unwavering belief in their potential.

Nathalia Fernandez

New York State Senator

“Driven by service. Grounded in community.”

Senator Nathalia Fernandez represents New York’s 34th District, serving the Bronx and Westchester. As Chair of the Senate Alcoholism and Substance Use Disorders Committee, she is a leading advocate in addressing the opioid crisis. A daughter of immigrants, she has dedicated her career to advancing equity, mental health support, and opportunities for working families. Her leadership reflects compassion, resilience, and a commitment to meaningful change.

Championing policies that protect, uplift, and strengthen communities
for generations to come.

Vanessa L. Gibson, Bronx Borough President

“Leadership rooted in community, driven by purpose.”

Vanessa L. Gibson serves as the 14th Bronx Borough President, making history as the first African American woman elected to this role. Her distinguished career spans the New York State Assembly and New York City Council, where she championed policies advancing housing, education, and public safety. As Borough President, she has led transformative initiatives addressing food insecurity, economic development, and digital equity. Her leadership reflects an unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and expanding opportunity.

Building pathways that empower communities
and ensure every voice is seen, heard, and valued.

Jacqueline “Jackie” Jones, Commander, American Legion Post 1610

“Service beyond uniform. Leadership beyond limits.”

Jacqueline Jones is a proud Gulf War veteran and Commander of American Legion Post 1610 in Albany. She served in the United States Navy during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, demonstrating dedication and strength. In her civilian career, she continued her commitment to service through roles supporting economic inclusion and public infrastructure. She remains a steadfast advocate for veterans and her community.

Continuing a legacy of service by advocating for those who have served and sacrificed.

Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes, Majority Leader

“Power used with purpose creates lasting change.”

Crystal D. Peoples-Stokes serves as Majority Leader of the New York State Assembly, becoming the first woman and African American to hold this historic role. Representing Buffalo’s 141st District since 2003, she has led groundbreaking legislation, including the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act. A champion for equity, she has advanced initiatives supporting minority businesses, education, and economic opportunity. Her leadership continues to shape policy and progress across New York State.

Transforming systems to create equity, opportunity, and justice for all.

Diana Reyna, Principal, DR Strategic Consulting

“Breaking barriers and building bridges.”

Diana Reyna is the Founding Principal and CEO of Diana Reyna Strategic Consulting, LLC, bringing decades of leadership in government and advocacy. A former New York City Council Member and Deputy Brooklyn Borough President, she has been a champion for economic development, housing, and equity. As the first Dominican American woman elected to public office in New York State, she has paved the way for others. Her work continues to connect communities, government, and opportunity.

Creating access and opportunity by turning vision into strategy and strategy into results.

Jerika L. Richardson, National Urban League

“Policy, power, and purpose in motion.”

Jerika L. Richardson is a nationally recognized civil rights leader and Senior Vice President at the National Urban League. She leads national initiatives addressing voting rights, criminal justice reform, and economic equity, impacting communities across the country. With a career spanning federal law enforcement, media, and government, she has shaped major policy reforms and public discourse. Her work continues to drive meaningful, systemic change.

Advancing justice at scale by turning policy into progress and advocacy into action.

Esmeralda Simmons, Esq.

“Justice is not an idea, it’s a lifelong pursuit.”

Esmeralda Simmons is a nationally respected civil rights attorney with over four decades of advocacy in racial justice and human rights. As founder of the Center for Law and Social Justice at Medgar Evers College, she built a powerful institution advancing equity in education, voting rights, and policing. Her distinguished career includes serving as Assistant Attorney General and First Deputy Commissioner of the NYS Division of Human Rights. Her voice continues to shape justice and policy.

Using the law as a tool to dismantle inequity and defend the rights of the underserved.

Latrice M. Walker, New York State Assemblymember

“Fearless in advocacy. Unwavering in purpose.”

Assemblymember Latrice M. Walker represents Brooklyn’s 55th District with strength, passion, and resolve. A dedicated attorney and public servant, she has been a leading voice in criminal justice reform, voting rights, and housing equity. She played a key role in advancing New York’s bail reform and continues to fight for justice and fairness. Deeply rooted in her community, she remains committed to mentoring youth and supporting families.

Standing boldly in the fight for justice, even when the cost is personal.

Lea Webb, New York State Senator

“Advocacy with heart. Leadership with impact.”

Senator Lea Webb represents New York’s 52nd Senate District and is a trailblazer for equity and inclusion. As Chair of the Senate Women’s Issues Committee, she champions reproductive justice, maternal health, and protections for women and families. A lifelong community organizer and educator, she has advanced policies supporting economic opportunity and civic engagement. Her leadership reflects a deep commitment to fairness, access, and empowerment.

Creating a more just and equitable future where every voice has a seat at the table.

Gina C. Williams, Bronx Borough Advocate

“Service isn’t what she does, it’s who she is.”

Gina C. Williams is a dedicated public servant and community advocate serving as Bronx Borough Advocate under NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams. With decades of experience across human services, civic engagement, and political organizing, she has been a consistent force for change in underserved communities. A certified human services practitioner, she has led initiatives in education, housing, public health, and voter engagement. Her life’s work is defined by compassion, action, and a deep commitment to people.

Meeting people where they are and lifting them to where they deserve to be.